Fun interactive article in the Post: see how the mix of power sources has changed in your state over the past 20 years. Almost all states are less carbon intensive in their power mix, for a variety of reasons. Many, including red states such as Kansas and Iowa, are using more wind and solar, and in other places such as Maryland natural gas has taken over for coal. Good to see progress!
First, consumption: I had no idea that 10% of drivers are responsible for 28% of gas consumption (for cars- pretty sure those private jets are a problem too). Turns out that gas consumption is supercharged by a group of users that are mostly rural, mostly poor, and who spend an inordinate amount on transportation. If those users were given electric powered vehicles, that would make a much bigger difference than switching in Corollas for Priuses, say.
Also interesting is this summary of Willow project, recently approved by the Biden administration to start drilling in Alaska. The project is located outside of the National Wildlife Refuge, leading advocates to tout the jobs and other economic benefits, while others want all of the wilderness to remain untouched. Alaskan oilfields have been productive for decades, but there have also been notable spills in Prudhoe Bay, some issues along the pipeline, and of course the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989. That said, on balance the pipeline has been quite successful, having increased income across the state of Alaska by 5 times.